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20 players we're excited to watch at this summer's Copa America

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As is always the case with South America's most storied competition, this summer's Copa America will feature a collection of sensational footballers. Below, we rank the 20 players we're most excited to see in action over the coming weeks in Brazil.

20. Santiago Arzamendia (Paraguay)

Attacking full-backs are all the rage right now; just look at Liverpool, who won the Champions League thanks in no small part to Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Paraguayan left-back Santiago Arzamendia, 21, boasts many of the same skills that made the Reds duo so dominant this season.

19. Takefusa Kubo (Japan)

The 18-year-old Japanese phenom is being tipped as the country's next big talent. Takefusa Kubo's time at Barcelona's famed La Masia inevitably earned him the moniker of "the Japanese Messi," but the forward, who sealed a move to Real Madrid on Friday, will get a chance to make a (more appropriate) name for himself over the next month.

18. Duvan Zapata (Colombia)

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The Radamel Falcao era is coming to an end for Colombia, and Duvan Zapata is the prime candidate to replace the 33-year-old as the focal point of Los Cafeteros' front line. A battering ram of a striker who pairs clever movement with a keen eye, Zapata is the best attacker on his team.

17. Paolo Guerrero (Peru)

There's no scandal surrounding Paolo Guerrero's involvement this time around. A doping ban, which was overturned before the tournament began, shrouded Peru's 2018 World Cup campaign, but with the captain leading the line, Los Incas will again look to deliver on their dark horse status.

16. David Neres (Brazil)

Expected to assume the left-wing role for Brazil in the wake of Neymar's injury-induced absence, David Neres makes for must-watch TV thanks to his dazzling dribbling ability. The 22-year-old is always willing to run at defenders and has the skill to put them on their backsides.

15. Lucas Torreira (Uruguay)

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Lucas Torreira's first season in the Premier League tailed off somewhat after a spectacular start, but the diminutive midfield pitbull, having enjoyed a brief rest period after a grueling campaign, should be back at his hyperactive best this month.

14. Arthur Melo (Brazil)

Few midfielders go about their business as smoothly as Arthur. The Barcelona man, 22, is a key member of Tite's squad, offering the calm passing presence needed to complement Casemiro's more defensive role.

13. Diego Godin (Uruguay)

Defending can be beautiful too, especially when it involves a master of the craft like Diego Godin. At age 33, he's entering the twilight years of his Uruguay career. Enjoy his excellence while you still can.

12. Josef Martinez (Venezuela)

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Josef Martinez scored five goals in his last three MLS matches before linking up with his Venezuelan teammates, making the Atlanta United talisman arguably the hottest player arriving in Brazil. Can he sustain it?

11. Edinson Cavani (Uruguay)

Pairing raw athleticism with crafty movement inside the penalty area, Edinson Cavani is a genius at getting into prime scoring positions. That the sinewy forward's been known to squander one or two chances - sometimes in hilarious fashion - only makes watching him more entertaining.

10. James Rodriguez (Colombia)

No player needs to have a great tournament more than James Rodriguez, whose career is floundering after an unsuccessful loan spell at Bayern Munich. Back in Brazil, the site of his breakout showing at the World Cup five years ago, can he get things back on track?

9. Alexis Sanchez (Chile)

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Can he regain any of the form that once made him one of the world's most exciting players to watch, or was the husk of a footballer we saw at Manchester United the real Alexis Sanchez? It's one of the central questions of the tournament, and it'll be fascinating to see it answered.

8. Miguel Almiron (Paraguay)

A hamstring injury derailed an electrifying start to Miguel Almiron's life at Newcastle, but after overcoming the ailment in time for this summer's tournament, the Paraguayan star will once again have defenders on skates.

7. Gabriel Jesus (Brazil)

An unspectacular club season has stymied the excitement around Gabriel Jesus somewhat, but he remains the focal point of the most star-studded attacking unit in the tournament. The Golden Boot is well within his reach.

6. Sergio Aguero (Argentina)

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Always a prolific goalscorer, the Manchester City striker has become a more well-rounded presence up front since Pep Guardiola took over at the Etihad. How will this new Sergio Aguero fare with the national team?

5. Alisson (Brazil)

Equal parts superb shot-stopper and pinpoint passer, Alisson is arguably the most intriguing goalkeeper to watch in world football. Compatriot Ederson might have something to say about that, but it's the Liverpool No. 1 who starts between the sticks for the host nation.

4. Luis Suarez (Uruguay)

Fresh off arthroscopic knee surgery, Luis Suarez is still getting back up to speed. He took part in a pre-tournament friendly last week, albeit briefly, but it's hard to see Uruguay adding to its record 15 Copa America titles if he's not at 100 percent.

3. Roberto Firmino (Brazil)

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He may play second fiddle to Jesus for the national team, but Roberto Firmino remains one of the most captivating players around. His unique role as a playmaking No. 9 who excels at linking up play is fascinating to watch.

2. Giovani Lo Celso (Argentina)

The football analytics community has been in love with the versatile Giovani Lo Celso for quite some time. The rest of the world will hop aboard after the 23-year-old Real Betis midfielder shows off his silky smooth skills in Brazil.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Obviously. If Argentina's going to capture its first major international trophy since 1993, Lionel Messi, as always, will have to lead the way.

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